Safe in bed and under the water

Each athlete at the Sydney Olympics has been supplied with 51 condoms - even though many team coaches have imposed a sex-ban during the Games.

The organisers are clearly impressed by the stamina of Olympic athletes as they would need to have sex three times a day for 17 days to use up their condom quota.

But it may be the only way to stay warm in a chilly and windswept Sydney - 4,000 blankets have been made available at the athletes' village to combat the cold spring nights.

Organisers are also worried about the safety of those in the water. Competitors in the Olympic triathlon are to be tracked on the swim-leg by divers carrying electronic devices used to ward off sharks.

The event's organisers said they had decided to use the South African-designed device - called a Shark Pod - to ensure that none of the competitors were affected by a string of scare stories that have appeared.

The last fatal shark attack in Sydney harbour dates back to 1963 and there has not been one between May and November for more than 200 years.

Shark Pods, which are attached to divers' air tanks, operate by emitting an electromagnetic field which disturbs sharks' senses, causing them to swim away.

The divers will carry the devices about two metres below and slightly behind each of the triathletes during their 1.5 km swim around the Sydney Opera House.

France's foreign ministry yesterday reminded Games organisers not to forget their duty to use the French language at the opening ceremony.

Reacting to reports that Governor-general Sir William Dean does not intend to use French at the event, ministry spokeswoman Anne Gazeau-Secret said: "French is one of the two official languages of the Olympic games.

"The IOC must respect the Olympic charter. Around 50 francophone nations are taking part in the games and the French language must be present at the opening."